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Projection Screens

Screens have come a long way in just the past few years. In fact, the whole concept of projection screens has evolved so rapidly that they, more than ever, are now an integral part of their installat8/15/2013 12:24 PM Eastern

By Bennett Liles

Projection Screens

Screens have come a long way in just the past few years. In fact, the whole concept of projection screens has evolved so rapidly that they, more than ever, are now an integral part of their installation environment. Here we have a look at front- and rear-projection screens, as well standard and custom designs, many of which are completely retractable or convincingly blend into their surrounds when turned off. New coatings, tensioning methods, and fabric construction have combined to offer any venue the opportunity to use today’s top screen technology. At the same time, self-contained units can double as whiteboards and projection surfaces with complete mobility and interactive software.

The Inline screens from Austrian manufacturer AV Stumpfl are fixed installation models with a quiet, rubber-mounted motor drive. However, some of the smaller models are available with a manual crank drive mechanism. The bottom bar is shaped to disappear into the wall-mounted case when the screen is fully retracted. The casings are delivered standard in RAL 9010 and are available in three sizes up to a width of 196in.x157in. with special colors available as an option. The screen may be mounted on a wall or ceiling, and it may be recessed into suspended ceilings using the standard QuickMount bracket. Surfaces include the Plana and Strato with different thickness and gain figures.

Blue Ocean Screens MOVE

Blue Ocean Screens from U.S. Nippura features Move, a completely mobile and self-contained rear-projection solution for education and other presentation and conferencing applications. Bounded by a welded aluminum frame, the unit folds out in the back from a transport depth of 28in. to a viewing depth of 48in. and rolls on adjustable casters. The projection surface is a Blue Ocean center-cast acrylic rear-projection screen using an integral projector with 5,000 to 7,000 lumens, depending on the model. The unit also has an integrated audio system (3.1 channel speakers and subwoofer system), adjustable lectern tray, power supply, and ventilation/filter system. The MOVE viewing area is a 103in., 16:10 surface in WXGA or WUXGA resolution with a choice of either LCD or DLP projector engine. Also featured is a secure storage tray for additional AV equipment and a full suite of annotation software.

Carada Criterion Series

Designed primarily for high-end home theater applications, the Criterion Series screens from Carada feature a frame 3.25in.-wide by 1.5in.-deep with a bevel on the front and an inside edge that cleanly snaps to the screen’s surface. To absorb any spill light, the Criterion series screens are covered with Carada’s Black Hole velvet trim. Each of the screens include flush wall-mounting brackets and the screens are available in five aspect ratios. Custom sizes and aspect ratios are available depending on the size and shape of the venue projection system. The Carada screens are flexible, unsupported PVC fabrics available in cinema white, brilliant white, and high-contrast gray. These are flame-retardant, mildew-resistant, and washable with soap and water.

Custom Display Solutions VistaPlex Ultra

To make the most of large-format, rear-projected images, Custom Display Solutions offers the VistaPlex Ultra rollable-rigid diffusion rear screen. An XY axis coat design, the VPU is composed of “Rare Earth” micro-alloys suspended in a proprietary mixture that is applied to high optical quality 3/16in. polycarbonate substrates. The screens are available in sizes up to 100in.x396in. and can be cut to any aspect ratio, rolled up tightly for transportation, and moved into the installation venue for assembly. The screen may also be coated on the reverse side to prevent retro-reflection, particularly with short-throw projection systems. The design combines ease of installation in difficult venues with smooth and even light levels across the surface.

Da-Lite Tensioned Contour Electrol

For retractable applications in boardrooms and conference rooms, the Tensioned Contour Electrol screen from Da-Lite offers quiet operation and a smooth, flat projection surface. Equipped with an integrated low-voltage control and patented roller technology, the screen is very quiet during extension and retraction. The curved aluminum extruded case is available in black, white, or graphite. To provide even lateral tension there is a tab guide cable system; vertical tension is maintained by a custom slat bar with an added weight. To match any room décor, the front of the case is available in a choice of seven veneer finishes. The assembly can be ordered with a serial control board or video projector interface built into the case.

DNP Screens Supernova Infinity

dnp’s Screens Supernova Infinity uses optical screen modules, an aluminum structure, suspension wires, strong magnets, and its surrounding frame to provide a solution for large display, front-projection applications. Installable via a floor stand, wall, or hung from a ceiling, the screen has a 2in. depth with a .3mm space between modules for a seamless surface. The aluminum frame structure can house any number of modules for screens of unlimited size and is available with 08-85 ISF-certified screen material or 23-23 screen material, the latter of which is best for environments with wide viewing angles such as conference rooms, point of sales, and point of information locations. The Supernova 08-85 screen material is good for low-light venues, but it can also be used in high ambient light situations when using a more powerful projector.

Projection Screens

The Onyx permanently tensioned projection screen from Draper features a 4in.-wide beveled trim frame with no snaps and includes a 1.5in. horizontal and vertical adjustment in 3/8in. increments without using tools. The extra wide standard black aluminum trim frame assembles in about 10 minutes and is also available in a black textile (Vel-Tex) finish to eliminate reflections. The screen also incorporates Draper’s new high-performance XS850E optical screen surface with multilayer film technology for high contrast, vivid color, and a wide viewing angle. The Onyx fixed screens are also available in a range of other viewing surfaces and the cleaning method varies with the type of surface.

Elite Screens Insta-DE Series

Elite Screens has designed the Insta-DE Series to transform any wall or window into a whiteboard projection screen using VersaWhite 1.1 gain material to present both a projection and writing surface. The surface of the VersaWhite screen material is coated with a scratch-resistant optical nanotech resin to withstand the rigors of repeated writing and erasing while continuing to show a smooth and even projection surface with none of the typical whiteboard glare. Intended for instructional venues, the screens are available in 4:3, 16:10, 16:9, and 4ft.x10ft. models. The screen surface has a 180-degree viewing angle and it comes with markers and erasers. Primarily intended for use with short-throw projectors, the screen has a soft padded backing to allow installation on a wide range of surfaces. There is a series of adhesive tape strips on the rear surface. Film is peeled from these and the screen is applied to the mounting location.

Hamilton Buhl model FF-150-Z

For permanent installation in a fixed-screen format, Hamilton Buhl has a wide array of models from 100in. to 150in. diagonal size. The 150in. model FF-150-Z presents a 74in.x131in., 16:9, HD viewable surface in matte white finish. The Hamilton Buhl fixed-frame screens feature an anodized aluminum frame with black trim to absorb stray light. The screen fabric installs to tabs that automatically give optimum tension for a smooth projection surface. The FF-150-Z weighs 47.98lbs. and it carries a one-year warranty.

Pro Display Pro Diffusion ST

The Pro Diffusion ST screen from Pro Display is designed for short-throw applications as a cost-effective solution for a large display in a limited space. It is manufactured using a clear acrylic glass structure with all the diffusion particles (crystals) formed on one surface helping to avoid hot spots in the display. The screen can show HD content in standard sizes from 50in. to 140in. diagonal. For use in boardrooms, classrooms, digital signage, and other applications, the Pro Diffusion ST can also be ordered with suspension cables, a weighted suspension system, extrusion bars, aluminum frames, a portable stand, an optical mirror rig, and an IR touchscreen bezel. The screen has a peak gain of 3.7, a horizontal and vertical half gain value at ±30 degrees, and a thickness of 0.2in. It is available in 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios and custom sizes are available on request.

Screen Innovations Pure Zero Edge

The Pure Zero Edge projection screen from Screen Innovations features SI’s proprietary Micro Texture for sharpness capable of reproducing resolutions of 1080p to 8K and up. The screens may be wall mounted or hung from the ceiling on aircraft cables. A simple installation can completed in about 15 minutes and they require no further assembly. Available sizes range up to 120in. for 16:9 and 150in. for 2.35:1 aspect ratios. Screen materials are available in Pure White 1.3 gain, Pure Gray .85 gain, Black Diamond 2.7 gain, Black Diamond 1.4 gain, and Black Diamond .8 gain. This line also supports LED backlighting for reduced viewer eye strain. The full perimeter LED lighting is controllable by infrared remote and adds a new dramatic look to the screen and the wall on which it is mounted.

Screen Solutions International has a rear-projection configuration with the Definition rigid acrylic projection screen. Available in custom sizes, the screen material can be cut, trimmed, or precision milled, but the screens are standard in sizes up to 120in. diagonal in widescreen aspect ratio and up to 100in. diagonal in standard aspect ratio. It can also be hung frameless or installed with any selection of the Screen Solutions framing options. The screen is dark gray in color and has dual matte surfaces to prevent any reflection from lights or windows. Micro lenses embedded into the screen during the casting process act together to accept and amplify the light passing through them. It has a peak gain of 5 and a half gain angle of ±32 degrees while the light transmission figure is 68 percent, contrast 200:1, and it has a standard thickness of 1.125in. Accessories include a suspension kit and a frame system available in standard or custom finish.

Seymour-Screen Excellence Absolute

The Absolute acoustically transparent film screen from Seymour-Screen Excellence is a curved, fixed-frame design that includes a full-closing, motorized lateral masking system. Programmable to stop at any aspect ratio from 1.33:1 to 2.37:1, the masking layers are also acoustically transparent. The Absolute is available with either S-SE’s ISF-certified .98 gain Enlightor 4K or 1.1 gain Enlightor 2 acoustically transparent screen surface and both are moiré-free to allow close minimum distance seating. The screen’s 3.7in. borders are made of the company’s Infinite Black true velvet material to absorb 99.7 percent of projected light. Available in widths from 70in. to 170in. wide, the Absolute has its masking mechanics located behind the frame to allow for a shallow bezel depth. A slightly rearward extension hides the motor and masking assemblies, with the total depth being 5.5in. plus curvature at the sides.

Stewart Filmscreen Visionary Electricscreen

Stewart Filmscreen markets the Visionary Electriscreen as an installation-friendly, retractable electric design. Ideal for boardrooms, classrooms, and conference facilities, the screen has a self-finishing bottom plate and housing equipped with adjustable drywall flanges. It can be ordered with a wide range of front- and rear-projection materials including Microperf X2 and Cinemaperf for acoustic transparency and is equipped with the proprietary Tab-Guy tensioning system to provide a smooth, flat surface, and eliminate edge curl. The electronically controlled retraction system uses a 3.25in.-diameter roller tube with sound-dampening insulated screen drive. The assembly includes a recessed ceiling mount and a three-position, high-voltage wall switch. Special sizes, aspect ratios, rear-projection models, special colors, and certain control configurations are available as options.

Vutec SilverStar SSX

The VutecSilverStar SSX motorized screen provides ultimate picture resolution, vivid colors, and high contrast and brightness in ambient lighting conditions. With recent enhancements to the award-winning SilverStar line, a new high-gain surface has been developed that is well suited for both home theater and commercial applications. The next-generation SilverStar SS55 Motorized provides a high-gain surface and housing that favorably impacts installation time and dramatically cuts down the cost of shipping. The new SilverStar SS55 Motorized is 4K ready and ISF certified.